Dog License

Benefits of Licensing Your Dog

Thousands of pets find their way to our shelters every year. A majority of these animals have no form of identification and are never reunited with their families. Licensing your dog is not only the law - it helps ensure that your beloved pet will be returned home safely.

When to License a Dog

In Maricopa County, all dogs three months of age and older are required to have a license and rabies vaccination. If your licensed dog is picked up by one of our Animal Control Officers, we will make every attempt to bring your dog home to you immediately ‑ and save you (and your dog) a trip to the shelter. Cats do not need to be licensed.

How to Get/Renew a License

**During the process, you will be required to provide information on your pet’s current rabies vaccination. There is an option to upload a copy of the document. Images uploaded directly from your cell phone may not transmit.

Lost Pet

If your dog does arrive at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) and has a current license, his first 24 hours at the shelter will be at no charge. Licensed dogs receive longer care periods while our staff exhausts every option to contact you. Additionally, if a licensed dog bites someone, he may be eligible for home quarantine instead of being quarantined in our facility or a veterinary hospital.

Disclaimer

The license is not valid if the applicant has offered, used, transmitted or caused to be transmitted any information or data that is false, fraudulent or incorrect in any manner. Please note: The forms are best filled out on a desktop, laptop, or tablet, not a mobile phone.